6 Awesome Places On Curonian Spit Every Lithuanian Must Go: In Autumn Pictures Are Worth A Million

Giedrė Krištopaitytė, Non-Formal Education Specialist at the Curonian Spit National Park Visitor Services Department (KNNP), stated that the most visited objects in Curonian Spit are the cognitive trail in the Nagliai nature reserve and the dune observation deck of Parnidis. However, other popular objects with tourists are not inferior to these places: Bear’s Head observation deck, Vecekrugas dune, Preila dune and relocation of cormorants and gray herons in Juodkrante.

Unique views throughout the trip

The specialist explained that it is worth visiting these places throughout the year, because each time these places allow you to admire a unique natural panorama.

“It is forbidden to visit the Nagliai Nature Reserve, as rare species of plants, insects and birds are protected there, but there is the opportunity to walk the nature trail in the reserve and see the unique natural beauty and the panorama of the gray dunes. .

The Parnidis Observation Deck, located in the Parnidis Landscape Reserve, offers a breathtaking view of the Grobštas Nature Reserve with the only surviving gliding dune, as well as panoramic views of Nida, the sea and the lagoon.

At the Vecekrugas and Preila dunes you will also see wonderful views of the Curonian Spit “from above”. Well, the breeding ground for cormorants and gray herons is the largest colony of these birds in Lithuania and one of the largest in Europe.

From the Bear’s Head observation deck, not only does a wonderful view of the other shore of the Curonian Spit open up, but it is also possible to see the forest areas destroyed by the 2006 fire and now nearing the end of regeneration. This is a great stop to start the journey around Curonian, ”explained G. Krištopaitytė.

It is true, the specialist pointed out that if you want to visit the cormorant and gray heron hatchery in autumn, you should remember that in autumn you can no longer see the birds there, because in September they all migrate and return only in spring.

Important rules for visitors

G. Krištopaitytė explained that travelers visiting these objects should also remember that they are traveling to a particularly sensitive and protected area, where not only rare species of plants, insects and birds are protected, but also white and gray dunes.

“Visiting nature reserves is strictly prohibited, and in landscape reserves we must remember that the dunes move and diminish every year. A person hits about 1 ton of sand when descending from the dunes. Therefore, it is advisable to be attentive to the signs and not to go up or down the snow-covered white dunes and not to dismantle the protective crest of dunes on the seashore, allowing access to the sea by steps.

Visits to reserves, such as the Nagliai nature reserve, are prohibited and it is only possible to walk or ride a horse on the hiking trails, by bike or on the wet part of the beach. The aforementioned educational trail is accessible from the site via the Smiltyne – Nida road, 31 km.

Curonian Spit National Park stands out for its unique landscape. This is undoubtedly the most valuable protected area in Lithuania. 1994 The Curonian Spit is included in the HELCOM system of protected areas in the Baltic Sea. – to the UNESCO World Heritage List ”, explained the specialist.